Parsnip Growing Guide

Pastinaca sativa

Crop Rotation Group

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●

Soil

Light, deep, well-drained soil which has not had compost or manure added recently (to avoid forked roots forming.)

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 20cm (7") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow direct into soil when it has warmed up from mid spring onwards. Takes a couple of weeks to germinate.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Thin out when the seedlings are large enough to handle if they are too close. Weed carefully during early stages. Mulch to deter weeds and keep soil moist. Wearing gloves when handling parsnip foliage is recommended because the sap can occasionally cause blistering if the skin is exposed to direct sunlight after contact.

Harvesting

Use a garden fork to loosen soil along outside of the planting before pulling roots. Can be left in the soil through winter in many areas.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Parsnip

Aphids (General)

Carrot Root Fly

Millipede

Slug

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Parsnip

Carrot Powdery Mildew